The Best UFC Pictures of 2009

If a regular old picture is worth a thousand words, a good MMA shot has to be worth millions. When the speed of the shutter coordinates perfectly with the action inside the Octagon, the results are thrilling and sublime -- not mention suitable for framing.

Starting below, in no particular order, do enjoy the ten best pictures from 2009 as chosen by experts, fans and UFC.

Paul Buentello vs. Stefan Struve at UFC 107

The Headhunter returned to the UFC and showed he still had it in a three-round battle against six-foot-eleven Struve, who was buckled by this body blow. Watch UFC 107.

Nate Quarry vs. Tim Credeur at UFC® Fight Night™ DIAZ vs GUILLARD

It was Fight of the Night, it made Fight of the Year lists and it made a lasting impression on everyone who watched: BJJ black belt Tim Credeur ignored his ground game and went toe-to-toe, blow-for-blow, mouse-for-bruise with heavy-handed Nate Quarry for three unbelievable rounds in September. Watch their battered post-fight interview.

Stephan Bonnar vs. Jon Jones at UFC 94

If you follow any MMA buzzmakers, you may have heard that 22-year-old Jon Jones is the Next Big Thing; that he's the future of the sport; that he's got moves inspired by and belonging in video games. But once you've witnessed this acrobatic suplex, you already know all that. Watch the fight.

Frank Mir and Cheick Kongo at UFC 107 weigh-ins

Some of Frank Mir's opponents get caught up in his trash talk and heap it back; Cheick Kongo didn't fancy stooping to that level and instead refused to make eye contact with the former champ at the pre-fight weigh-in. Mir didn't miss a beat and met Kongo with some body language of his own... which he followed up the next night with a first-round knockdown and chokeout. Watch the weigh-in.

Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping at UFC 100

UFC 100 was a night-long series of highlights, but one image became a favorite memory of Hendo loyalists, Anglophobes, those who tire of trash talk and Matt Hamill fans alike -- big-mouthed Michael Bisping getting his bell rung by Dan Henderson. Watch UFC 100.

Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin at UFC 101

It was hard to know who to root for when Forrest and Anderson faced off last summer, and this picture shows exactly why they're both fan favorites. Forrest is all grit, muscle and drive, delivering 110% with every punch; the Spider demonstrates his perfect understanding of his power, only expending enough energy to kick, hit, block or dodge with surgical precision. Watch UFC 101 or see the fight on UFC Unleashed on January 19.

Tamdan McCrory vs. John Howard at UFC 101

John Howard's nickname is Doomsday, but in this shot he's more similar to his nemesis Superman, flying through the air with the power of a locomotive... and an unlucky opponent in tow. Watch the fight.

One of the best things about MMA is that you don't need to know all the rules, moves and histories to understand what's happening during a match (even Marge Simpson was romanced by the purity of the sport). There may be a word for what's happening in this bout, but honestly, does knowing it make a difference? Watch season 9 of The Ultimate Fighter.

(tie)
Roy Nelson at the TUF 10 Finale

How else would you expect a man who rubs his belly in spite to celebrate winning a reality show?! Watch TUF season 10.

and Mike Swick at UFC 99

For those of us who will never have the experience of winning inside the Octagon, this photo may be as close as we can get (legally, anyway) to understanding what it feels like. Hear how he prepared for the fight against Ben Saunders.

Medios

UFC Minute host Lisa Foiles looks back at Ronda Rousey's record-breaking weekend and the slate of fights coming your way on March 14 at UFC 185.

mar 2, 2015

The Ultimate Fighter finalists Carla Esparza and Rose Namajunas fight for the UFC women's strawweight title in Las Vegas. Esparza plans to make her first title defense against top contender Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 185 in Dallas, Texas.

mar 2, 2015

UFC President Dana White recaps the top moments from UFC 184 with Megan Olivi backstage at the event.

feb 28, 2015

Ronda Rousey and challenger Cat Zingano have an intense split-screen interview after media day. Then it's time to work out and make weight for the stars of UFC 184, including opponents Raquel Pennington and Holly Holm and a salsa-dancing Josh Koscheck.

feb 27, 2015

UFC champion Ronda Rousey and challenger Cat Zingano appear for fans at open workouts. Zingano goes in search of the lightest bikini on the market, then dresses up for what turns out to be an intense staredown against the equally-formal titleholder.

feb 26, 2015

Days before her Octagon debut, Holly Holm ventures from her hometown to Tinseltown. Already in LA, UFC champion Ronda Rousey and title challenger Cat Zingano put on their game faces for photo shoots and promo interviews building up to their UFC 184 bout.

feb 25, 2015

Ronda Rousey loads up on cardio and inspiration at Glendale Fighting Club. Jake Ellenberger also trains there alongside Hollywood’s own boxing star, Mickey Rourke, while his opponent Josh Koscheck prepares in Fresno for his Octagon return.